Which of the following is NOT a method of heat transfer?

The concept of heat transfer encompasses several fundamental mechanisms through which thermal energy is transferred from one body or system to another. Conduction, convection, and radiation are all recognized methods of heat transfer.

Conduction occurs through direct contact between materials, allowing heat energy to move from the hotter object to the cooler one via molecular collisions. This is commonly observed in solids, where heat moves through atoms or molecules in direct contact.

Convection involves the movement of heat through fluids (liquids or gases) as warmer portions of the fluid rise and cooler portions sink, creating a circulation pattern. This transfer is influenced by the movement of the fluid itself.

Radiation is the transfer of heat in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as infrared radiation, which can occur in a vacuum and does not require a medium to take place.

On the other hand, while evaporation does involve energy transfer, it is specifically a phase change process where a liquid turns into a gas. During evaporation, molecules in the liquid absorb energy to overcome intermolecular forces, which does cause a transfer of thermal energy away from the liquid but does not fall under the standard categorization of heat transfer mechanisms like conduction, convection, or radiation. Thus, it is correct to identify evaporation as not being a